The Gathering
Monday 8th - Wednesday 10th June 2026
Praxis Gatherings have become a meaningful part of what we do at Praxis…
An offering to the Youth Work sector that we see as a real privilege.
These gatherings are designed as accessible, grassroots spaces for Youth Workers around Aotearoa, especially Praxis Graduates still practicing Youth Work and the many key partners we collaborate with. We currently work alongside over 100 Youth Work and education organisations across the motu, and these gatherings bring that wider whānau together.
Over the past two decades, we’ve held gatherings from the beautiful Coral Coast of Fiji with our Pacific friends to Melbourne, Australia. More recently, we honoured the transition of our founder, Lloyd Martin, and in 2024 we gathered across Horouta Marae and Maraeroa Marae in Porirua.
Our aim is to create space for connection, collaboration, and meaningful professional development that strengthens local communities. Each gathering is intentionally accessible: one flat rate covers all three days, including workshops and catering, with onsite accommodation available if needed.
We’d love to have you join us!
Workshops:
Key information:
When: Monday 8th June - Wednesday 10th June
10.30am Gather for Pōwhiri on Monday - 3pm Pōroaki on Wednesday
Where: Maraeroa Marae, 216 Warspite Avenue, Waitangirua, Wellington
Who is this for: Youth Workers! Those who are passionate about working with young people.
Any other questions: send Lizzie an email or check out the FAQs below
FAQs
-
Unfortunately not, we have kept the price down to keep it simple and ensure the price remains accessible for those traveling from far.
-
No! But if you’d like to there is plenty of of space on the marae.
We have about 50 people staying on site. If you’re staying on-site, please bring bedding (sheet, pillowcase and blanket/sleeping bag), a towel and toiletries and any personal medication. We will be setting up the wharenui after dinner on Monday night and tidying up the whare on Tuesday morning - as the space will be used for workshops during the day. -
Yes!
-
Maraeroa Marae is an urban marae, a ‘ngā hau e whā’ marae with links to many iwi & Pasifika communities. Praxis has been visiting Maraeroa Marae for many years and some tikanga we follow at this marae includes:
Arrive early for pōwhiri in appropriate dress
Follow others if you are unfamiliar with the process
Ensure cell phones are silent during pōwhiri & workshop sessions
Remove your shoes before going inside the wharenui
Do not eat or drink inside the wharenui
Do not step over other people inside the wharenui
Do not sit on pillows or tables
Treat all spaces in the marae complex with respect - this includes not smoking, vaping or drinking alcohol
-
If you are driving to the Gathering there will be limited parking on-site at Maraeroa Marae. If you are staying on site, please park in the front carpark (closest to Warspite Ave). If you are travelling in each day, please park across the road at Waitangirua Mall (entrance off Niagara Street and Warspite Ave). Parking at Waitangirua Mall is free and there are no time restrictions. There will be a Praxis team member giving directions on Monday morning at the entrance to the Marae.
-
The Praxis Gathering will start with a pōwhiri at 11am on Monday 8th June at Maraeroa Marae (216 Warspite Avenue, Waitangirua, Porirua). Please meet in the front carpark, closest to the road at 10.30am for a briefing. Appropriate clothing is long dark skirt for wāhine and long dark trousers for tāne. If you would like to contribute a small amount to the koha you’re more than welcome too. Our waiata will be He Hōnore (https://www.folksong.org.nz/he_honore/index.html). Please leave all gear in your vehicles during the pōwhiri.
After the pōwhiri the registration desk will be open to collect your welcome pack and then we will move into lunch. The first workshops kick off at 1.30pm Monday afternoon.
-
If you are yet to pay your invoice for the Gathering you will receive a follow up email from Maureen for payment to be made by 5th June.
